Brachytherapy (from Greek brachy meaning \u201cshort\u201d) is a treatment method that involves radiation of tumours using the radiation energy of an isotope placed inside or next to the tumour. Brachytherapy is an established technique in oncology which has been used for many years in our Centre. Many artificial radioactive isotopes are now being applied in cancer therapy with steadily improving physical properties to ensure safety for both patients and physicians. This allows a significant reduction in radiation damage to healthy tissues that surround the tumour.<\/p>\n
Owing to the implementation of new-generation therapeutic machines, Microselectron HDR (currently Flexitron HDR) and PDR systems, the Greater Poland Cancer Centre (GPCC) has greatly increased the number of patients and cancer types treated to the level comparable with renowned centres in the European Union.<\/p>\n
Every year, we provide treatment to over 1,000 patients who account for approx. 20% of all patients treated with radiotherapy. The GPCC Brachytherapy Unit is the only public brachytherapy centre in Poland that offers LDR brachytherapy procedures (the so-called permanent implants) under a contract with the National Health Fund.<\/p>\n
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The Greater Poland Cancer Centre is currently using\u00a0three brachytherapy machines<\/strong>:<\/p>\n The Unit employs modern treatment planning systems Oncentra Brachy, Oncentra Prostate, integrated therapeutic line with a SIMULIX simulator with a CT extension, Philips Endura imaging system, 2 real-time planning systems SWIFT\/SPOT for HDR and LDR brachytherapy of prostate cancer.<\/p>\n GPCC Brachytherapy Unit is one of three centres in Poland to utilise an advanced hyperthermia system by BSD Medical for cancer treatment. In terms of this kind of equipment, the Unit counts among Europe\u2019s best oncology centres.<\/p>\n Brachytherapy procedures require involvement of a highly specialised team of medical professionals representing different specialities. At the Greater Poland Cancer Centre, such teams consist of 4 radiation oncologists, 4 medical physicists, 4 radiological technologists, 5 surgical nurses, 8 ward nurses and 3 medical secretaries.<\/p>\n In 1999\u20132021, members of the Unit\u2019s staff authored over 110 scientific publications, prepared and gave over 130 presentations and lectures on brachytherapy at scientific conferences (both Polish and international).<\/p>\n The Unit was the fist house of the Polish Brachytherapy Society and still is the publishing office of the \u201eJournal of Contemporary Brachytherapy\u201d.<\/p>\n The Unit provides teaching for students of Medicine and Electroradiology of the Pozna\u0144 University of Medical Sciences, and students of Physics of Pozna\u0144 Adam Mickiewicz University.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brachytherapy Unit Office: Joanna Koszewska, phone: +48 (61) 88 50 817,<\/p>\n Fax Front Office: +48 (61) 88 50 834<\/p>\n Phone: +48 (61) 88 50 832<\/p>\n Opening hours 8:00 a.m. \u2013 3:00 p.m.<\/p>\n Registration at the hospital\u2019s ground floor, by phone + 48 (61) 8850557, or online.<\/p>\n Outpatient part open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00, <\/i>Email : brachyterapia@wco.pl<\/a><\/p>\n\n
Procedures currently performed by the GPCC Brachytherapy Unit:<\/h3>\n
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Who provides the treatment?<\/h3>\n
Scientific activity<\/h3>\n
Contact details<\/h3>\n
Physicians<\/h3>\n
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Physicists<\/h3>\n
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Nurses<\/h3>\n
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Brachytherapy Clinic<\/h3>\n
Brachytherapy Unit<\/h3>\n
\ninpatient part open 24\/7<\/p>\n